Williams: we'll push England

Defiant Scotland coach Matt Williams boldly declared today that his young side will give 'every drop of desire, passion, sweat and blood' to topple the giants of England on Saturday.

Having been swept aside by Wales in their RBS 6 Nations Championship opener at the Millennium Stadium last week, it would be difficult to find even a Scot who would back them to beat the world champions at Murrayfield this weekend.

But there was one optimistic Australian, issuing a passionate rallying call in the capital today, who genuinely believes his new-look team could shock England.

Williams said: 'We're really looking forward to it and we're going to take it on.

'Every Scottish supporter leaving the ground on Saturday will know that we have give every drop of desire, passion, sweat and blood, if necessary, to win the game.

'The English are world champions but of course I believe it. If I didn't believe it I would get out of here.

'They (Scotland) are a fine young team and great young men to work with. They are trying their hearts out.

'There is always the opportunity to win but the odds are stacked against us.

'You've got to respect your opponent but not pay them too much respect.

'It's out job to make sure that doesn't occur and Murrayfield will ensure that is not the case.

'We will continue to fight for the 80 minutes and we will not be intimidated.'

He insisted his players were not fearful of facing Sir Clive Woodward's World Cup winners even though he holds them in the same esteem as the great New Zealand sides of the past.

Williams added: 'There has been some sort of talk that we have been shuddering in our boots.

'We have great respect for the English side. They are a magnificent team and are are the world champions.

'I hope that when they come on to the Murrayfield pitch that they receive the reception that that achievement deserves.

'I have great respect for them but these are the days that sportsmen and coaches live for.

'You want to take on the best. This is very exciting for us as a team and a management team. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these young men to take on the world champions.

'You know you are taking on a giant and a great and that is ultimately the great challenge of rugby.

'The All Blacks held that mantle and had that invincibility about them that whenever there was a victory against the All Blacks it was a memorable occasion.

'The world champions deserve that same mantle and we'll take the pitch throwing our heart and sole into the game.'

Following the disappointment in Cardiff, Williams has opted to make two changes to his starting 15.

Edinburgh's Simon Webster will play on the wing and Sale Sharks' Jason White has been brought into the pack with Edinburgh's Allister Hogg, who made his debut in Cardiff, and Glasgow's Andrew Henderson dropping to the bench.

White, who has won 33 caps, and Webster, who will be making his first start for Scotland, have been promoted because of their performances after coming off the bench last week.

Williams said: 'I felt we needed a bit more size on the park from the beginning.

'Our plan last week was to get an impact from Jason which he certainly gave us. He was outstanding when he came on.

'When he got on the pitch the game was beyond us. We felt this week with the larger England pack we needed to match that.

'I felt we needed some specialist pace and Webster has been a constant improver over the past few months with Edinburgh and especially in training with Scotland.

'He has probably shown the best improvement along with Tom Philip and did particularly well when he came on last week and we have decided to give Simon his opportunity this week.'